New Michelson Prizes for Human Immunology and Vaccine Research launch

The Michelson Medical Research Foundation and the Human Vaccines Project announce young investigator prizes to advance the development of future vaccines and therapies to defeat major global diseases
December 13, 2017, LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK – The Michelson Medical Research Foundation (MMRF) together with the Human Vaccines Project announced today the establishment of the Michelson Prizes for Human Immunology and Vaccine Research. The $20 million initiative, funded by the MMRF and administered by the Human Vaccines Project, aims to support young investigators applying innovative research concepts and disruptive technologies to significantly advance the development of future vaccines and therapies to defeat major global diseases.

A rigorous and competitive global search will be undertaken to identify the most innovative projects by young scientists across a broad spectrum of scientific fields. Two investigators under the age of 35 will each be awarded a $150,000 prize. To be considered, applicants need to show how they are going beyond conventional approaches in their field and clearly articulate how their contribution will make a lasting impact on human immunology and vaccine research.

“The Prizes give young scientists the freedom to think outside-of-the-box and explore disruptive technologies,” said Gary Michelson, MD, Founder of the Michelson Medical Research Foundation. “Our collaboration with the Human Vaccines Project in establishing the Michelson Prizes will help unravel the complexity of the human immune system to accelerate development of vaccines and therapies for some of the world’s most threatening diseases.”

While the Michelson Prizes are focused on research outcomes in the fields of human immunology and vaccinology, early career scientists across a wide array of disciplines, including clinical research, biomedicine, bioengineering, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and nanotechnology, are encouraged to apply. Proposals will be reviewed and winners selected by a distinguished committee of internationally recognized, independent scientists….